News Makers: Week of August 28-September 3

Each week, journalists turn to Unity Health Toronto’s experts and programs to help make sense of our world. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the headlines for the week of August 28-September 3.
Vaccine hesitancy highest in Alberta, racialized groups at rollout’s start: survey
The Canadian Press on August 31, 2021
Feature of research led by Dr. Prabhat Jha
A survey led by Dr. Prabhat Jha found most Canadians planned to get vaccinated, but that intentions were lower among residents of Alberta, Manitoba & Saskatchewan, individuals without a university degree & racialized Canadians.
Featured in over 100 outlets
No parent should have to choose between a child’s health or work, that’s why we need paid sick days
Toronto Star on August 30, 2021
Opinion piece co-authored by Dr. Shazeen Suleman
Parents and caregivers must have access to paid sick days, write Dr. Shazeen Suleman and her co-author in the Toronto Star. In this opinion piece, they explain why this will protect future generations and build a healthier society.
The opioid crisis is killing Canadians. How can we solve it?
Global News on August 31, 2021
Interview with Dr. Dan Werb
In an interview with Global News, Dr. Dan Werb explains how the focus on COVID-19 has had deadly consequences for people who use drugs.
Toronto Star on September 3, 2021
Interview with Dr. Zoe von Aesch and Dr. Anna Banerji
Parents are navigating the overwhelming mask options on the market, as they try to find the safest one to best protect their non-vaccine-eligible kids. Dr. Zoe von Aesch and Dr. Anna Banerji speak with the Toronto Star about which masks are best for children.
Ontario’s updated school guidance
CTV News Channel on August 31, 2021
Interview with Dr. Tali Bogler
Ontario will no longer include runny noses, sore throats and headaches among the list of symptoms associated with COVID-19 for children returning to classrooms. Dr. Tali Bogler joins CTV News Channel to discuss the updated guidance.
How to prepare your kids for the return of school
CP24 Breakfast on August 30, 2021
Interview with Dr. Ripudaman Minhas
As parents gear up for the new school year, Dr. Ripudaman Minhas joins CP24 Breakfast to share how to best prepare kids for the return of in-person learning.
Reigning in Drug Prices, Before Pharmacare Slips Away
National Newswatch on September 2, 2021
Opinion piece by Dr. Danyaal Raza
Now is the time for a renewed pricing regime for prescription drugs, writes Dr. Danyaal Raza. In this opinion piece, he cautions that the cost of progress in pharmaceutical discoveries should not be borne by those who can least afford it.
How India’s Bad Death-Records Got in the Way of Its Pandemic Response
The Wire Science on September 2, 2021
Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha
“Counting the dead helps the living,” says Dr. Prabhat Jha. In this interview with The Wire Science, he explains the benefits of having data on who dies, when and how.